A World of Difference

Are you leading with the assumption that your team is operating from a place of psychological safety? The reality might shock you. Recent research reveals that 80% of workplace professionals have experienced trauma that directly impacts how they show up at work—and most leaders have no idea it's happening. What happens when that high-performing employee suddenly becomes reactive during feedback sessions? Or when your most talented team member can't seem to engage during meetings? Elizabeth Vahey Smith, COO of TCK Training and trauma-informed care practitioner, has spent over a decade researching how unprocessed experiences shape workplace behavior, and the findings will change how you think about leadership entirely. From her base in Vietnam, where she's currently traveling through her 27th country with her family, Elizabeth brings a unique perspective on how global mobility, cultural transitions, and everyday workplace interactions can create lasting impacts on our nervous systems. Her research shows that while "big T" traumas like natural disasters rarely trigger workplace responses, it's the "little t" traumas, those moments that make us feel helpless or unsafe, that create the biggest leadership challenges. In this conversation, Elizabeth reveals why that simple phrase "we need to talk" sends so many employees into panic mode, and how leaders can make tiny pivots that completely transform team dynamics. She shares the difference between cultural adaptation and trauma response, and explains why some of your most valuable employees might be operating in survival mode while appearing to be your top performers. Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this episode on building psychologically safe, high-performing teams: The 80% reality check - Why most of your team is likely carrying workplace trauma and how it's showing up in ways you haven't recognized. Big T versus little T trauma - How to distinguish between major life events and the accumulated experiences that actually create the most workplace triggers. Curiosity-led conversations - A powerful framework for starting difficult discussions that builds trust instead of triggering defensive responses. Cultural adaptation versus trauma response - How to identify whether employee reactions stem from cultural differences or deeper safety concerns. The hidden cost of hyper-vigilance - Why your most productive employees might be heading toward burnout and how to intervene before it's too late. If you've ever wondered why some team members seem to overreact to normal workplace situations, or if you're a globally mobile professional trying to understand your own responses to leadership and change, this conversation provides both the research and the practical tools you need. Elizabeth's work proves that trauma-informed leadership isn't just compassionate. It's strategic, profitable, and essential for building the kinds of teams where people actually want to stay and grow. 00:00:00The Hidden Reality of Workplace Trauma 00:02:58From Papua New Guinea to Global Leadership 00:07:19Understanding Big T vs Little T Trauma at Work 00:11:59Building Psychological Safety Through Curiosity 00:15:56Trauma vs Cultural Differences in the Workplace 00:19:55The Unexpected Benefits of Trauma Experience 00:26:52Preventing Burnout Through Recovery Skills 00:30:27Research Insights on Workplace Psychological Safety 00:37:34Managing Fear-Based Leadership and Dark Triad Personalities 00:42:29Connecting with Trauma-Informed Leadership Resources including her book Trauma-Informed Leadership Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you leading teams across cultures but struggling to understand why brilliant strategies fail and talented people clash? The answer might be simpler than you think, and more complex than you've imagined. What happens when the biggest barrier to global leadership isn't language or logistics, but the invisible assumptions we carry about how work should get done? Maria Angela Calmet has spent over 15 years leading projects across five continents, and she's discovered that the most successful leaders aren't just culturally aware—they're culturally competent. As CEO and founder of Allopoli and author of LIDERESA, Maria Angela has seen firsthand what separates leaders who thrive globally from those who fail spectacularly. Her framework goes beyond surface-level cultural etiquette to address the root systems that drive behavior, decision-making, and trust-building across cultures. In this conversation, Maria Angela reveals why directness in Dutch culture completely transformed her understanding of feedback, how a simple question about an engineer's character in Egypt opened her eyes to relationship-versus-task orientations, and why cultural competence is now listed as a top future skill by the World Economic Forum. But this isn't just about working with international teams. Whether you're navigating subcultures within your own organization or building bridges in your local community, the principles Maria Angela shares will change how you see leadership itself. ⁠https://www.allopoli.com⁠ ⁠Maria Angela Calmet⁠ Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this episode on building cultural competence as a leader: The Tree Analogy Framework - Why focusing on visible cultural differences (the leaves and flowers) while ignoring root beliefs and assumptions leads to persistent conflict and missed opportunities. Four Essential Leadership Competencies - The specific skills Maria Angela has identified through her global experience: effective communication, developing talent, visualizing impact, and thinking in solutions. The Fish Bowl Revelation - How to identify the cultural "water" you're swimming in and recognize unconscious biases that shape your leadership decisions without your awareness. Direct vs. Indirect Communication Reframe - Why Dutch directness taught Maria Angela that clear feedback is actually an act of kindness, and how this insight can transform your approach to difficult conversations. Relationship vs. Task Orientation - A powerful example from Egypt that demonstrates why some cultures prioritize personal character over technical competence, and what this means for building trust in global teams. If you've ever wondered why your best intentions sometimes create the worst outcomes when working across cultures, this conversation will give you the framework to lead with curiosity instead of judgment. The future belongs to leaders who can see the world through multiple cultural lenses—and Maria Angela shows you exactly how to develop that vision. 00:04:08Three Cultures That Shaped a Global Leader 00:06:20Building Allopoli: Creating Communities Across Cultural Differences 00:11:39Why Cultural Competence is the Future of Leadership 00:16:00Task vs Relationship: When Cultural Worldviews Clash in Business 00:20:48Four Essential Leadership Competencies for Global Success 00:25:44Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders in Latin America's Patriarchal Culture 00:33:11From Offense to Understanding: How Dutch Directness Changed Everything 00:37:06Beyond Surface Culture: Understanding the Roots of Cultural Differences What You'll Learn Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode Need therapy: get 10% off your first month Sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot. 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Get 50% off your first 2 months with Riverside: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to hold space for both gratitude and grief in your leadership? In a year marked by unprecedented challenges, many executives are finding it difficult to navigate the tension between authentic appreciation and the very real pain their teams are experiencing. What happens when toxic positivity meets genuine leadership? In this deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection, I share why the most powerful leaders aren't the ones who wrap everything up in a neat bow, but those who can hold multiple truths simultaneously—the joy and the suffering, the wins and the losses, the hope and the heartbreak. This isn't about pretending everything is fine when layoffs are decimating Silicon Valley, elections are dividing communities, and talented professionals are being pushed out simply for having a voice. Instead, it's about the kind of authentic leadership that allows both you and your team to show up as complete humans walking through difficult things together. I reveal why being an empathetic witness to others' struggles is one of the most powerful leadership tools you'll ever develop, and share the specific ways you can show up for team members facing job loss without falling into the trap of dismissive "compliments" that actually make things worse. What you'll discover: The power of holding multiple truths - How to acknowledge both gratitude and grief without falling into toxic positivity that dismisses real pain. Empathetic witness leadership - Why sharing difficulties with someone who truly listens creates healing and builds stronger team connections. Values-driven decision making - How to use your core values as a filter for leadership choices, especially during uncertain times. Supporting team members through job loss - Practical ways to help colleagues facing layoffs, plus what not to say when someone loses their job. Finding joy in your strengths - The Steph Curry principle of maintaining childlike enthusiasm for your work, even amid workplace challenges. If you've ever wondered how to lead with both strength and vulnerability, or how to create psychological safety while acknowledging real workplace difficulties, this episode offers a framework for authentic leadership that doesn't sacrifice honesty for optimism. 00:00:00Authentic Leadership Through Gratitude and Community Connection 00:02:16Holding Multiple Truths - Gratitude Amid Suffering and Trauma 00:05:23Values-Driven Leadership and Personal Board of Directors 00:05:25Supporting Others Through Job Loss and Career Transitions 00:11:57Community Impact and Podcast Growth Through Shared Conversations 00:12:47Mental Health Resources and Professional Support Systems Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Get 50% off your first 2 months with Riverside: https://riverside.cello.so/ErHyXrgXYn3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling the tension between staying authentic and using AI tools in your leadership? You're not alone. Many executives are grappling with this exact challenge, and the stakes have never been higher. What happens when the biggest threat to authentic leadership isn't AI itself, but how we choose to use it? Communication expert Allison Shapira has spent years helping executives find their voice in moments that matter most. Now she's tackling the question keeping leaders up at night: How do you stay human when the tools you're using aren't? Her new book, AI for the Authentic Leader, isn't about becoming an AI expert—it's about alignment, presence, and whether the future of leadership will amplify our humanity or quietly erase it. In this conversation, Allison reveals where most leaders are already falling out of alignment without realizing it. She shares why vocal fry in AI assistants could literally program weakness into future voices, and explains the critical mistake executives make with AI that actually undermines their credibility. Find out more about Allison on her website. Here are 5 key insights you can expect from this episode on balancing human connection and AI efficiency: The AI Authenticity Loop framework - Why the human isn't just "in the loop" but is the loop, and how this mindset shift changes everything. The "Why You?" question - A powerful tool for finding your authentic voice before crafting any message or entering any high-stakes conversation. Value-centered AI alignment - How to use AI tools to amplify your best authentic self rather than outsourcing your voice entirely. The vocal fry warning - Why AI voice assistants are programming vocal weakness into future generations and what leaders can do about it. Practical boundaries for AI use - A simple test to determine when AI assistance is appropriate and when human-only effort demonstrates true value. If you've ever wondered whether you can use AI tools without losing your authentic voice, this episode will change how you think about both technology and leadership. The future belongs to leaders who can harness AI while staying deeply human—and this conversation shows you exactly how to do it. 00:01:30AI and Authentic Leadership Introduction 00:03:02Finding Your Voice Through Travel 00:05:54Using AI to Amplify, Not Replace Your Voice 00:10:07The Critical Importance of Alignment 00:15:20Public Speaking as Leadership 00:18:03Finding Your Authentic Voice with "Why You" 00:22:20Overcoming AI Fear and Resistance 00:26:31AI's Dangerous Vocal Programming 00:31:19Maintaining Authenticity with AI Tools 00:35:13Building Confidence in the AI Era 00:40:41Connecting with Allison and Resources Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Get 50% off your first 2 months with Riverside: https://riverside.cello.so/ErHyXrgXYn3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lori Adams-Brown, a Strategic Transformation Executive, Board Director, Global Speaker and Podcast Host challenges audiences to get clear on your personal values, to speak up when there is a values misalignment, and to reject self-limiting beliefs that hold leaders back in an era of capitulation from Silicon Valley to Washington DC. Who we are as leaders matters, and getting clear on your personal values, working on self-awareness and letting our values be our filter in decisions matters a great deal in leadership today. Lori speaks about why now is the time to speak up. Whether you serve on a board, in a C-suite, in a university, or an NGO, this is the time to share your perspective. The worlds needs your voice, your perspective, and better decisions are made around decision-making tables when you speak up. Lori Adams-Brown is a strategic transformation executive, board director, and sought-after speaker who helps CEOs prevent the $10M blind spots that erode trust, lose top talent, and kill billion-dollar opportunities. For over 20 years, she's advised Fortune 100 C-suites and global leaders on organizational effectiveness that mitigates business risk and accelerates growth. She's architected AI-enabled leadership programs across seven global cities that elevated manager effectiveness 48%, contributed to $1B+ revenue, and transformed cultures where humans flourish and businesses scale. Lori has directed $16M budgets, built programs in 11 countries in five languages, and coordinated UN disaster relief serving 2,000+ stakeholders. She serves on the boards of the Center for Creative Leadership and How Women Lead, and hosts the top 3% podcast A World of Difference. She holds an M.A. in Intercultural Studies, speaks six languages, and has lived on three continents. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, what if the “messy middle” moments in your life—the stuff you’d rather sweep under the rug—are actually secret doorways to real creativity? Laura Munson, bestselling author and founder of Haven writing retreats, has wandered from Montana’s wild woods to ancient stones in Ireland, and she’s convinced that wonder isn’t something you stumble across—it’s something you can choose, even in the thick of heartbreak or change. Turns out, the story you’ve been telling yourself might just be the prologue. But here’s the twist: what if your biggest breakthroughs actually start when you stop trying so hard to “be creative” and start letting yourself just be? There’s a pretty wild story behind how Laura’s own life detours unlocked something unexpected for her (and for the writers who show up at her retreats). Want to know what happens when you give yourself permission to wonder again? Stick around… In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how life’s toughest challenges can unlock unexpected personal transformation and deeper self-awareness. Experience the unique ways writing retreats can ignite growth and unlock creative potential in your journey. Explore how embracing life’s surprises can open new paths to creativity and self-expression. Cultivate a sense of wonder in everyday moments to enhance emotional resilience and bring fresh meaning to your life. Build resilience by learning how storytelling connects your experiences and strengthens your authentic voice. My special guest is LAURA MUNSON is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana. The key moments in this episode are:00:07:03 - The Power of Storytelling and Finding Safe Listeners 00:09:18 - Travel as a Catalyst for Wonder and Personal Transformation 00:13:05 - Embracing Awe and Travel to Ignite Curiosity and Wonder 00:15:50 - The Value of Being Present and Slowing Down Through Travel and Life 00:19:31 - Finding Your Unique Voice and Creativity by Reconnecting with Inner Truth 00:21:47 - Cultivating Wonder and Empathy as Foundations for Connection and Civilization 00:23:29 - Writing True and Listening Deeply: Pathways to Self-Discovery and Connection 00:25:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling in Personal Growth 00:27:05 - Cultivating Mindfulness and Wonder Through Journaling 00:29:57 - Mindfulness and Creativity in a Fast-Paced, Tech-Driven World 00:31:02 - Origins and Purpose of Haven Writing Retreats 00:34:26 - Writing as a Therapeutic Tool for Emotional Clarity 00:37:07 - Discovering Your Natural Strengths with the Working Genius Assessment 00:37:41 - Embracing Wonder as a Vital Life Force 00:38:17 - Supporting Independent Bookstores and Creative Communities 00:39:11 - Choosing Wonder and Creativity in Life’s Challenges Visit lauramunson.com to learn more about Laura Munson’s writing, in-person retreats, and online community Haven Nest. Go to Haven Writing Retreats to find information and sign up for Laura Munson’s transformative writing retreats in Montana and around the world. Purchase The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder by Laura Munson, preferably through independent bookstores or online at bookshop.org to support local booksellers. Access exclusive extended conversations and bonus content by becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if being “nice” at work could actually be making everything worse? Picture this: a leader so shielded by everyone’s politeness that a single, cringeworthy comment in the halls of Congress nearly tanks a $9 million deal—while everyone else sits silent, protecting comfort over honesty. Turns out, our obsession with not rocking the boat isn’t just awkward... it can be downright destructive. But here’s the twist: the real danger isn’t ego or greed. It’s this sneaky, everyday culture of niceness that’s quietly costing us big—more than we realize. So what’s the true price we pay for keeping the peace, and how can we start to flip the script? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how the impact of niceness in workplace culture can quietly shape team dynamics and influence overall success. Unlock the keys to building psychological safety that encourages genuine conversations and boosts team confidence. Understand the hidden consequences of avoiding conflict at work and how it can stall growth and damage trust. My special guest is Amira Barger Amira K.S. Barger, MBA, CVA, CFRE is an award-winning communications and change management executive, author, and professor. She counsels Fortune 500 companies at the intersection of health equity, diversity, and trust. A scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience, Amira is also a marketing and change management Professor at California State University East Bay, shaping the next generation of leaders. Her forthcoming book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change (Berrett-Koehler, Oct 2025), critiques the cultural costs of “niceness” in the workplace and offers a roadmap toward equity-driven leadership. Amira’s thought leadership appears regularly in outlets such as MSNBC, Fast Company, and Nonprofit Quarterly. Raised on the island of Guam, Amira brings a global perspective, a deep commitment to public health, and a belief in building humanity-centered workplaces. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Navigating Niceness and Conflict Avoidance in the Workplace 00:04:00 - Bringing a Global Mindset to American Workplace Culture 00:08:00 - Understanding and Challenging Sacred Cows in Organizations 00:12:00 - The Cost of Comfort Over Candor in Leadership 00:13:32 - The Troubling Relationship Between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. 00:15:12 - The Ladies Who Lunch: Power, Influence, and Performative Philanthropy 00:20:21 - Niceness, Leadership, and the Risks of Capitulation in Modern Organizations 00:22:58 - Challenging Stories and Leadership Narratives to Foster Change 00:25:25 - Vacation Hair and the Cost of Being Nice: A Personal Leadership Lesson 00:26:38 - Childhood Lessons on Speaking Truth and Its Consequences 00:28:17 - The Matching Principle and Effective Communication Types 00:31:37 - Navigating Voice and Nerve in Challenging Workplace Contexts 00:33:52 - Building Psychological Safety as a System in Organizations 00:37:53 - The High Price of Silence and Retaliation in the Workplace Find and follow Amira Barger on all social media platforms using the handle @amirabarger and visit amirabarger.com for information about her speaking engagements, book tour, and communications/propaganda analysis class on TikTok. Pre-order Amira Barger's book, The Price of Nice, to learn more about her insights and strategies for challenging workplace culture Connect on ⁠Substack⁠ at loriadamsbrown.substack.com to access behind-the-scenes content, exclusive in-depth articles, and become a paid subscriber for additional benefits. Linkedin YouTube Patreon Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real reason your best people are leaving isn’t about paychecks or perks, but something way bigger, something you might not even be measuring yet? There’s a quiet shift happening in the workforce that’s turning traditional retention strategies upside down. And here’s the kicker: companies that embrace it aren’t just keeping their talent. They’re watching productivity and promotions soar, with results that might surprise you. So, what’s the one move that could help your people see a future with you, and keep them from walking away? Let’s dig into it. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how internal learning ecosystems can unlock career growth and keep employees engaged longer. Uncover the surprising ways talent development directly boosts employee retention and loyalty. Explore smart strategies for internal mobility that ramp up productivity and fuel workforce motivation. Learn how AI is reshaping workforce skills and what that means for your talent development plans. Build clear internal career pathways that inspire employees to stay and grow within your organization. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - The Importance of Professional Support and Mental Health Resources 00:01:00 - Addressing Employee Retention Through Career Growth 00:02:25 - The Shift from Manager to Career Development as a Retention Strategy 00:05:29 - Internal Mobility Drives Retention and Business Success 00:08:37 - Future-Proofing Organizations with Learning Agility and Cross-Functional Leadership "When people see a path forward inside your company, they stay; and when they feel invested in, they perform." - Lori Adams-Brown Connect with me on Substack at loriadamsbrown.substack.com as a free or paid subscriber for exclusive, in-depth content. Share this episode with a leader, friend, parent, neighbor, colleague, boss, or team member who would benefit from the message. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% off with the code: DIFFERENT "Companies that invest in the growth of their people build the future of their businesses—because when you invest in people, you don’t just retain them, you expand what’s possible for the organization." - Lori Adams-Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever heard these myths floating around about leadership and work-life balance? Myth #1: True leaders have to hustle nonstop to be successful. Myth #2: Burnout just means you’re not cut out for the job. Myth #3: Neuroplasticity is only for scientists—not something leaders can actually use. I’m about to spill the truth on how to flip these old stories on their head—so you can actually lead with clarity, energy, and a life that feels good. Ready for a totally different take? Stick around! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how soul-aligned leadership strategies can transform your decision-making and inspire your team from within. Learn to overcome burnout by tapping into mindfulness techniques that reset your energy and focus. Explore the hidden ways work culture shapes mental health and what that means for your leadership approach. Unlock the benefits of adopting a one week per month lifestyle to boost creativity and work-life balance. Harness the power of neuroplasticity to reshape your leadership skills and adapt to new challenges with ease. My special guest is Dr. Nona Djavid Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist-trained chiropractor, entrepreneur, author, and founder of eLIVate Club and the One Week/Month Lifestyle™. She helps leaders and entrepreneurs rewire their subconscious, regulate their nervous system, and step into their fullest potential—leading with alignment, vision, and purpose. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Redefining Success: Dr. Nona Javid’s Journey to Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:07:40 - Navigating Workforce Changes and AI Impact in Leadership 00:11:40 - Neuroscience and the Nervous System’s Role in Leadership Resilience 00:13:30 - Breaking Free from Past Patterns to Lead Differently 00:14:00 - Harnessing Visualization to Transform Leadership and Relationships 00:17:00 - The Ripple Effect of Emotional Self-Management in Work and Home Life 00:19:30 - Teaching Emotional Responsibility and Regulation from Childhood to Leadership 00:24:40 - Addressing Workplace Incivility and the Need for Self-Awareness in Leadership 00:27:00 - Navigating Organizational Change with Human-Centered Leadership 00:27:51 - Pandemic Impact on Social Connection and Emotional Health 00:31:38 - Core Elements of Authentic and Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:35:12 - Leadership During Increased Workloads and Embracing Team Collaboration 00:36:16 - The One Week a Month Leadership Lifestyle for Empowered Teams 00:40:54 - Global Work Cultures and the Importance of Rest for Leadership Sustainability 00:42:09 - Comparing Work-Life Balance: Silicon Valley vs. Italy 00:43:35 - Productivity and Time Management Lessons from Italy 00:44:40 - Addressing Workplace Stress and the Always-On Culture 00:45:43 - Cultural and Geographic Differences Impacting Work Styles 00:46:22 - Connecting with Dr. Nona Djavid and Continuing the Conversation Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and services. Visit Dr. Nona Djavid’s website for additional information and resources. Join the Patreon community Difference Makers for exclusive content and additional questions with podcast guests. Subscribe to loriadamsbrown.substack.com as a free or paid subscriber for behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth articles related to the podcast. Share the podcast episode with friends, family, colleagues, or your team, and leave a five-star rating and review to help others discover the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices